Villagers fear Hatfield Peverel could be “swallowed up” by Witham if plans for new homes are allowed to go ahead.

Braintree Council has earmarked two sites in the north of the village for housing as part of its Local Development Framework (LDF), which will set out how and where the district should be developed between now and 2026.

Contrary to suggestions that 120 new homes are planned, a maximum of 40 are proposed at Sorrells Field, off Bury Lane, and 30 for land off The Vineyards.

But land to the south-west of Witham has also been allocated for 700 new homes, closing the gap between the two near neighbours further.

Retired Bob Hill, a former parish councillor, branded the proposals “a shambles” and urged concerned residents to lodge their objections before the public consultation deadline passes at the end of today.

700 houses here and two new towns being built near Braintree!!!!! I am a professional businessman and I plan to leave the area before it becomes another Basildon / Harlow.....sadly Braintree are only encouraging the low paid workers into the area building cheap small pokey houses!

700 houses here and two new towns being built near Braintree!!!!! I am a professional businessman and I plan to leave the area before it becomes another Basildon / Harlow.....sadly Braintree are only encouraging the low paid workers into the area building cheap small pokey houses!Keep Essex Green